Director Horticulture Kashmir, Ajaz Ahmad Bhat, launched Backyard Horticulture Programme in District Shopian for distribution of 12000 saplings of fruit trees of apricot, plum and cherry among 3000 households on 90% subsidy in a function organized by the Horticulture Department, Shopian.Chief Horticulture officer Shopian, District Level Subject Matter Specialist and Zonal Level officers and other officials, besides large number of farmers were present on the occasion.Director Horticulture stressed on the importance of Backyard Horticulture programme to improve the socio economic condition of small land holders. Director Horticulture described District Shopian as a backbone of Kashmir economy due to its quality horticulture production.The Director Horticulture emphasized that nurseries should be developed on modern scientific lines so that people can be benefited by the availability of quality plant material. He also advised the orchardists to avail benefits from Departmental nurseries as well as from private nurseries registered by the Department as these nurseries are playing a vital role in development of horticulture. Director Horticulture said that people must remain in touch with Horticulture experts for expert advice including spray schedule, fertilizers, irrigation, pruning and other purposes.Later he visited ACHD Zainapora, Horticulture nursery Zainapora, where he directed field staff to work hard for development of horticulture sector by producing world class apple brands and stone fruits and also reviewed the functioning of ACHD Zainapora farm. He also inspected the civil works and uprooting of clonal root stock and land preparation for 2.40 Lac new root stock to be imported from Netherlands. At ACHD Zainapora around 3.50 Lac clonal root stock has been produced.